Students are fully supported while actively enrolled through the MSTP (both tuition and stipend) by a combination of funds from a National Institute of Health MSTP T32 training grant, individual faculty grants, and the Heersink School of Medicine.

MSTP students will receive the following financial benefits, so long as they remain in good standing in the program:

• Stipend support: The current annual stipend is $33,660 (annual appointments are renewed from July 1st through June 30th). Stipends are issued monthly and paid at the end of the month, with direct deposit available. UAB Heersink School of Medicine makes a continued effort to provide competitive stipends. Starting October 1, 2022, MSTP stipends will be increased by 2% annually until completion of the program. 
• Tuition support: MSTP covers all payments of tuition and fees. 
• Health insurance: Single-coverage health insurance is provided through the program. Dental Insurance is provided through the School of Dentistry
• Educational enhancement fund: The current total of the educational enhancement fund is $4000 per student (total for all years of the program). These funds can be used to pay for required books, medical supplies, computers, and USMLE study aides. 

During the first three years of the program, the stipend is paid in full by the MSTP. Starting in the fourth year, when a student is in the dissertation research phase, the student’s mentor is required to provide the student’s stipend. Student fees, health insurance, and tuition remain the responsibility of the program. After completing four full years of research, the research mentor will be responsible for 100% of the student’s stipend and fees.

Exceptions to the provision of these benefits can be made for those regularly enrolled MD students who have already completed a PhD, but wish to participate in MSTP functions and benefit from the altered MSTP clinical clerkship requirements. Acceptance of such students will be with the full understanding that, although funding will not be available to them, all other provisions of the MSTP will pertain. Such students should apply to become MSTP students through the Advanced Standing Application process.

Additional Support

MSTP students are eligible for additional travel and financial support offered through various UAB departments and organizations:

UAB Graduate Student Government Travel Grants
Graduate students in good academic standing who will be enrolled at the time of travel AND at the time of reimbursement are eligible for one Travel Award of $400.00 each academic year and a maximum of two while enrolled at UAB.

Financial Aid

All MSTP students are eligible for need-based financial aid. MSTPs in their graduate years that have dependents may be eligible for additional financial aid in addition to the MSTP stipend. Depending on a student’s source of funding and specific position, the stipend may or may not apply as an available financial resource, which could affect the calculation of economic resources and student eligibility for financial aid.